When everyone thinks you’re dead, how do you start your life over again?
Emma Tupper, a young lawyer with a bright future, sets out on a journey after her mother’s death: to Africa, a place her mother always wanted to visit. But her mother’s dying gift has unexpected consequences. Emma falls ill during the trip and is just recovering when a massive earthquake hits, turning her one-month vacation into a six-month ordeal.
When Emma returns home, she’s shocked to find that her friends and colleagues believed she was dead, that her apartment has been rented to a stranger and that her life has gone on without her. Can Emma pick up where she left off? Should she? As Emma struggles to recreate her old life, everyone around her thinks she should change: her job, her relationships, and even herself. But does she really want to sacrifice everything she’s working so hard to gain?
Q: Tell us the story behind the story. What was the inspiration for FORGOTTEN?
I heard a story from a friend about someone who had gotten stuck in Africa for six months and when they returned home someone else was living in their apartment and all their stuff was missing. I know nothing else about this person, but I thought it was an interesting premise for a story and it’s what started me along the path.
Q: What was the most challenging aspect of writing FORGOTTEN?
Trying to come up with a plausible reason for why the main character, Emma, wouldn’t have been in touch with her family and friends for six months. Even though it actually happened in real life, it’s one of those things that might be hard to believe, depending on the circumstances …
Q: What is the message you want readers to take away from your book?
That’s it’s okay to face a life altering experience and not feel like you have to change everything in your life as a consequence, if that makes any sense.
Q: Describe your background.
I grew up in Montreal where I still live and practice law. Oh, and write books.
Q: Describe your writing schedule. Do you outline? Any habits?
It really varies. I could say I try to write every day, but that wouldn’t be true. At least, not all the time. I try to outline, but it’s not a forte. I usually write in front of the TV or with music on.
Q: What books are on your nightstand? What are you currently reading?
J.K. Rowling’s A Casual Vacancy is on my nightstand. I’m reading a Felix Francis/Dick Francis book right now.
Q: Which authors inspire you?
Jane Austen. Nick Hornby. Tom Perrotta. L.M. Montgomery. Shawn Klomparens.
Q: What are you working on now?
I just finished my fourth book and am in edits on that. I’m cogitating about book five.
